Juventus after Premier League center-back as a replacement for Leonardo Bonucci

The reigning Serie A Champion saw main defender Leonardo Bonucci depart for rivals AC Milan and while they did bring in the likes of Medhi Benatia and even Benedikt Howedes on loan from Schalke 04, but neither has impressed Massimiliano Allegri. However, it looks like the club is after former Valencia center-back Shkrodan Mustafi.

According to reports from Calciomercato, the Turin giants have identified the Arsenal center-back as the man they want and may look to make a move in January for the German. While Mustafi had a horrific match against Manchester United and even made an error that allowed the Red Devils to go 2-0 up after 11 minutes, he’s still been in brilliant form for the Gunners.

Prior to the Manchester United defeat, both Arsenal and Shkrodan Mustafi were in incredible form, with the Gunners going five games without a loss when Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny, and Nacho Monreal were a part of the Arsenal back-three.

The trio kept their five-match league run awake until the loss to Manchester United, and against Burnley, it was Shkrodan Mustafi who made the difference. The German won the man of the match and held the Arsenal back-line in place, making crucial tackles and interceptions when required for the team, using the confidence from scoring only his third Premier League goal.

Meanwhile, Juventus who hope to make it to their third Champions League final in four seasons will need their center-backs to be top-class. With the loss of Bonnucci, the Bianconeri will need reinforcements soon rather than later, especially with Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini entering their mid-thirties.

Author’s take:

Despite the mistakes and the lapses of concentration, Shkrodan Mustafi could still evolve into a good and quality center-back for either Arsenal or wherever he goes. However, given the fact that it’s still only January, the Gunners will be very reluctant to part with their German center-back.

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